AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Stephen L. Davidson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968 while serving as Aircraft Commander of the command and control helicopter during a combat operation near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. When ground fighting resulted in several serious casualties who were in dire need of medical attention, medical evacuation helicopters were requested. Arriving at the scene, he made three attempts to land, but came under intense fire each time and received hits which required it to return to base. At this time, Warrant Officer Davidson piloted the command control helicopter down through the intense ground fire completely disregarding his personal safety. Upon landing, the casualties were quickly loaded aboard and Warrant Officer Davidson again skillfully piloted the aircraft while completely exposed to the intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Stephen L. Davidson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 19 April 1968 while serving as a Pilot of an armed helicopter during a combat mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. While air assaulting troops into enemy controlled terrain, Warrant Officer Davidson constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire as he airlifted troops and supplies into the embattled area. Although his aircraft received numerous hits from the hostile ground fire, Warrant Officer Davidson successfully completed his mission. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Davidson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Chief Warrant Officer Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement from 13 July 1976 to 15 July 1976 while in command of a mission to rescue two injured climbers from the 15,000 foot level of Mt. McKinley. Piloting a CH-47 helicopter and thwarted by dense clouds, Chief Warrant Officer Davidson spent 20 hours in the attempt, establishing a new high altitude record for this aircraft by flying 4,000 feet above its normal maximum altitude and a scant 1,000 feet below its maximum emergency ceiling. Despite using maximum power, Chief Warrant Officer Davidson's aircraft had a dangerously low rotor RPM when the successful rescue was made. Chief Warrant Officer Davidson's superior abilities as a Pilot and his sincere compassion for his fellow man reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.